It's Showtime!

Both Ice Shows and Competitions Require Extra Time and Careful Preparation... Here are some quick and easy hacks to make it all work!

Excitement is growing and you are eagerly anticipating that moment, when, after all your hard work and extra practice time, you skate out on the ice into the spotlight. Then, you look down and notice all the scuffs, scrapes, smudges and general badges of honor that now cover your skates. Here are a few fast remedies for what ails your precious bladed babies.

Coverups never work! Never polish over dirty skates. It just won’t cover and gets really frustrating after the third coat. Clean before polishing, even if you’re in a hurry.

Scuff happens! Use Soft Scrub cream cleanser with a soft cloth. It should remove most of the marks, but if you have a few stubborn streaks, try nail polish remover (Acetone). Always wear latex gloves to avoid the chemicals and prevent your actual nail polish from doing a disappearing act. Clean off all toxic chemicals by using a towel with some dish soap and clean water to wipe off any residue from your skates. Then dry thoroughly. You can use a hairdryer if you are short on time.

To polish or not to polish? Once clean, skates often don’t need that extra layer of polish, but if they do, those sponge brushes at the dollar store are great for applying skate polish. Keep your skate guards handy to allow the skates to stand on their own avoiding that telltale “lean” mark from being against another surface. Don’t forget to buff with a soft cloth or everything in your skate bag will turn chalky white
Blades need love too! Shine them up with WD-40 oil. It will not only remove and prevent any rust spots but will give the chrome a dandy sparkle. Check the soles for waterproofing (although most of the new lightweight skates have no maintenance acrylic or nylon soles and heels) and tighten all the screws, to make sure blades are secured properly. Never sharpen your blades right before the show or your knees/derriere may make unexpected contact with the ice. Depending on your level and available practice time, allow at least 4-5 hours of skating to be comfortably secure on your edges. And don’t forget your guards! It may be a long walk from the locker room to the ice.

Out with the old! Sometimes fraying laces can split at inopportune times. You should always have an extra pair of laces in your skate bag, so do the shift: use the older ones first. Want to make them last longer? Never use bleach; it weakens the fibers. Wax your laces. A little Snoseal and a hairdryer to melt it into the laces, will help prevent over stretching and splitting.

Bag it! To keep them looking awesome, and prevent any knocks in your skate bag, use old pillowcases as boot bags. Add a fabric softener sheet or Stinkeez inside each boot to absorb any moisture or odor.

Duct Tape! Yep, you read that right, white or black duct tape. It can be a lifesaver in an emergency. If you are using the same boots that have gone through months of ice time, competitions, and practices, but the timing is not right for breaking in new boots, providing a little added support from a tape wrap may provide the extra stiffness that you need to land jumps confidently.. It’s also good for quick skate bag repairs, an emergency hem, lint or pet hair removal, even sealing up a snack bag so it doesn’t empty out in your makeup.

There is a safety net, if you totally run out of time; wear over the boot tights and hide the flaws, but check with the costume chairperson, first, to make sure it follows show guidelines.

Getting "WEAR" From Tights

To begin.. tights are expensive; especially when they seem to disintegrate within minutes of wearing them for the first time. Show season is here,with the prospect of picture day, dress rehearsal and all of those shows providing images of dollar signs floating around your head in circles. Over the boot tights are the worst since they give more opportunities for puncture and runs. So let's look at way to make your tights last longer amidst the rigors of "Ice Show Ninja Warrior!"

Read the package

Opaque tights list the denier count on the label. Denier measures the thickness so the higher the number, the better for resisting snags and runs. Keep in mind, though, that when you are purchasing tights for a competition, a denier number higher than 80, will add the appearance of weight and resemble medical compression socks.because of the glare from stage lighting, most show producers insist on flat, opaque tights with no shine. Attaching under the boot with a buckle instead of hooks that create hoes or velcro that snags everything it touches adds an extra layer of protection.

The Mondor Evolution model 3338 Over the boot tights have a Denier of 70, so they are fairly snag resistant, and have the under skate buckle, good so far, but let's provide some extra help to keep them hole-free for Ice Chips.

Purchase the correct size! There are size charts on most packages. Your young skater could be tall and skinny, but may still need an adult size just for the extra length in the legs.

Wash before you wear! I know that it's easier just to toss the extra package in the skate bag...but DON'T! Use a mesh laundry bag containing tights ONLY; leave out the undergarments with hooks and clasps that may catch the fabric. Turn tights inside out, use cold water and a mild detergent (Ivory dish soap is awesome), hang to dry; no dryers allowed. There was a rumor going around that if you rinse tights in cold water, freeze them, then let them slowly come to room temperature, that it will pre-stretch the fabric. While this works with cotton, most competition tights are a blend of lycra, nylon, bamboo and microfiber, so fibers will get brittle and break easily. Taken out on the cold ice, pre-frozen tights are a recipe for a disintegrating disaster.

Add a buffer! Toes poking through the tights when the boots are taken off? If the tight is footed, add an ultra-thin peds or low cuts before putting on the tights; it won’t add extra bulk that may affect the skate fit. Over-the-boots tights? Use a pair of the microfiber knee highs then pull the tops down over the top of the skates to cover the lace hooks before pulling the tights over the boots. Adding those extra layers makes a huge difference. Trimming nails to prevent snags helps too!

Carry cosmetics! Keep a can of aerosol hairspray in your skate bag and give the tights a quick all-over spray before hitting the ice. It bonds the fibers and will reduce runs caused from blade nicks. The old standby, clear nail polish, works well to stop a run in progress.

COSTUMES AND TIGHTS FOR GROUP NUMBERS

GIRLS

Black skirt or black leggings

Mondor 3310 footed

tights

BOYS

All skaters MUST have skate guards and SHOULD have an extra pair of laces

LEARN TO SKATE OUTFITS

Most items available in our Online Store. Save time-place your order on line and pick up at Home Ice Boston! SPECIAL COMBO PRICING AVAILABLE HERE

If you have any type of Soft style skates( colored linings,blue, pink, etc) they must be covered by appropriate colored boot covers

All LTS skaters need a

white, long sleeve,

FULL turtleneck shirt.

These are available from Target, Walmart, Kohls, LL Bean and many other stores.

BUY THEM EARLY!

They will soon be unavailable when the spring clothing lines come out.

GROUP NUMBERS

Skaters will be notified of specific group costume requirements by the Ice Chips Costume Committee.

Typically Mondor #3338 Over the boot tights are worn with assigned outfit. Knee Highs work well under the tights as they can be pulled over the skate for an extra layer of protection against holes and runs

IMPORTANT SHOW STUFF

REMEMBER YOUR GUARDS! The rink has big patches of cement floors between the locker rooms and the ice.
KEEP A CHECKLIST of all your costumes, tights(2 pr) skates ( duh) hair pieces, hand props, makeup, extra laces, towel, wipes, run of the show. Know beforehand if you ( skater) will require assistance with skates, costumes or any maintenance.
LOCKER ROOMS ARE RESTRICTED... there are assigned attendants ( fancy for moms) who will handle whatever comes up. Make sure your skater knows that you will not be with her/him every moment.
PLEASE NO MESSY SNACKS! Even if your skater stays neat, spills, splats and messy hands from another skater might cause a meltdown.. literally.
AVOID THE QUICK CHANGE AREA. Some skaters are in more than one number and sometimes they must change costumes as fast as possible. You don't want to be responsible for a missed cue, so stay out of their way.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS which means pay attention, Newbies...stay with your group. Take extra care in the backstage ice area where soloists are warming up.
KNOW YOUR SCHEDULE and make sure parents and guests understand the parking restrictions at Harvard. Keep an eye on the time between shows, sometimes restaurants get crowded and the parking lot fills quickly.
BREAK A LEG AND HAVE A BLAST! It's your turn to step into the spotlight and perform for friends and family... don't get stage fright; everyone wants you to succeed. just REMEMBER TO SMILE and the audience will smile with you!

IT'S SHOWTIME!